BY LEEANN MONTALBANO, Outreach and Marketing Specialist at Library Center of the Ozarks
If you've passed by the Library Center of the Ozarks in downtown Branson recently, you likely noticed the colorful and vibrant flowers that adorn the property. These beautiful blooms are thanks to the labor and dedication of a group of hardworking volunteers known as the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners of the Ozarks.
The Master Gardeners have been working tirelessly for two years to maintain and enhance the gardens on the library grounds, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit. From planting native flowers and perennials to creating a thriving ecosystem where you can observe pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, the Master Gardeners continue to beautify our community through their love of gardening.
But their mission goes beyond just beautifying the city and fostering a healthy ecosystem: it's about educating and empowering others to learn how to grow and care for plants in a sustainable way and sparking a love for gardening in future generations.
The group holds regular programs in the spring through fall months at the library to educate the community on a range of topics. Some of their popular programs include, "Cacti Crazy: Gardening for Kids!," "Lifecycle of the Monarch Butterfly," "Discovering Delightful Dahlias," and "Funky Easy Things to Grow!"
With over 100 members, the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks are a diverse group with a shared passion for gardening. They come from all walks of life and bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. But they all share one common goal: to make a positive impact on their community through horticultural education.
Master Gardener Mary O'Brien explains, "Being a Master Gardener allows me to combine my love for gardening with giving back to my community. It's such a rewarding feeling when someone asks me for advice on their plants and I can share my knowledge with them."
Master Gardener Marina Hanson adds, "My favorite part about being a Master Gardener is seeing the joy on people's faces when they visit our gardens. It's especially heartwarming when children get excited to see a butterfly or learn about different types of flowers."
In addition, the Master Gardeners also host workshops and plant sales throughout the spring and fall. Through their hard work and dedication, the Master Gardeners also inspire future generations to embrace gardening and sustainable practices. They hope to spark a love for nature and encourage others to take an active role in caring for our planet.
"I love the camaraderie and sharing of knowledge. There's always something new to learn in gardening, no matter your age or experience level, and I enjoy being a part of that learning process," says Master Gardener Shanna Sullivan.
If you're interested in being notified of future programs hosted by the Master Gardeners at the Library Center of the Ozarks, you can sign up for the library newsletter at LCOzarks.com/contact.
If you'd like to learn more about the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks or becoming a member yourself, visit their website at www.mgozarks.org.
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